Arkivism
Mantle Border Fragment with Oculate Being
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Mantle Border Fragment with Oculate Being

200 BCE–200 CE · camelid fiber, embroidery over foundation cloth

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

This border fragment features a supernatural being apparently at the center of a religion that swept the south coast during the final stages of the Paracas culture. Known as the Oculate Being after its huge eyes, it is affiliated with fertility and violence—note the darts it holds in one hand. Both large and small versions of the being are embroidered on the fragment, which likely comes from the border of a large, rectangular, shawl-like garment known as a mantle.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineMantle Border Fragment with Oculate Being, 200 BCE–200 CE. Peru, South Coast, Paracas (Cavernas) style (700 BCE–1 CE). Camelid fiber, embroidery over foundation cloth; overall: 116.2 x 16.5 cm (45 3/4 x 6 1/2 in.); mounted: 127 x 25.4 cm (50 x 10 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of The Textile Art Alliance, 1985.193

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